Private equity in the hospitality industry

The recent £10b takeover of Hilton Hotels Corporation by US buyout giant Blackstone has signalled a gathering of pace of private equity ownership in the hospitality sector.

Hilton joined the growing number of UK hospitality firms already owned by private equity investors including Travelodge (Permira), Loch Fyne (Hutton Collins), Strada (Tragus), Café Rouge (Tragus), La Tasca (Robert Tchenguiz), Ma Potter’s (Tragus), Laurel Pub Company (Tchenguiz).

Private equity has become a controversial subject: slammed by unions as “amoral” asset strippers, criticised by MPs and others for paying little tax and faced calls for a clampdown. But others argue it is providing much needed investment into UK industry.

This page rounds up the news, analysis and comment surrounding the issue and how it is impacting hospitality.

News

Wagamama to abandon stock market listing >>

Principal Hotels rebrands after Hayley Conference Centres buy >>

Gaucho confirms it's £100m return to the stock market >>

Harry Ramsden's faces potential sale >>

£10b Hilton deal will not be the last >>

Robert Tchenguiz eyes up Malmaison and Hotel du Vin >> 

Robert Tchenguiz close to Mitchells & Butlers deal >>

Blackstone to buy Hilton for nearly £10b >>

Orient-Express tipped as next takeover target >>

Tragus buys Strada restaurant chain for £140m >>

Tragus beaten in La Tasca bidding war by Tchenguiz >>

Private equity group unveils latest acquisition >>

Permira buys Hawkstone Park for £11m >>

Private-equity group Delek Real Estate buys RoadChef >>

Analysis

Is private equity working in the public interest? >>

Customers pay for quality as casual dining goes upmarket >>

Where did Little Chef take a wrong turning? >>

Opinion